Gigi Murfitt
  • Home
  • About me
  • Books
  • Contact Me
Category:

Gigi

Gigi

A Story of Olympic Redemption

by Gigi June 13, 2012
written by Gigi

I want to share a wonderful story of God’s grace and redemption.

Dominique Moceanu - Young USA gymnast


Remember the beautiful gymnast, Dominique Moceanu?
She captured our hearts in the 2006 Olympics as a young fourteen year old firecracker.
We watched and wondered about her life.
We had no idea the secret that would be revealed when the truth was told.
This story captured my attention because it is the triumphant story of God’s mercy and grace working not only in Dominique’s life, but also in the life of the sister she knew nothing about until recent years. A sister born with a disability. A sister with a love of gymnastics who decided Dominique was her hero, long before she knew she was her sister.
God works like that. He brings families together and the discovery of the DNA they share is a remarkable testimony to God’s design.
Please watch this YouTube video story of a triumphant reunion.

Dominique’s new book should be a great read. I’ll write a review after I’ve finished reading it.

God is a redeemer of stories like this.
Lives out of balance will come into balance when God brings about His most wonderful plan.
Tell me where you are off balance so I can pray for you today.
Gigi
 

June 13, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CommentsGigi

Amazing Grace is a Sound so Sweet

by Gigi June 6, 2012
written by Gigi


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.

I believe with my whole heart that I was placed on this earth to make Jesus famous.
Because His grace has saved me.
Over the past several weeks I’ve been studying the lives of some Biblical characters. I relate to these people.
How about the woman at the well? As a Samaritan woman, she drew her water in the heat of the day. Was it to avoid those who looked down on her? Jesus approached her there anyway. He already knew of her sin filled life. He spoke of it once and never mentioned it again. He didn’t quote her a bunch of Scripture to show her how awful she was. He didn’t beat her down. He lifted her head and reminded her that the living water would come from the only source that never runs dry – Jesus! He sent her on her way with a song in her heart. Oh Lord, give me the grace to treat people like that – even those who have committed many sins.
How about the woman caught in adultery. There she was in the city square surrounded by her accusers carrying stones intended to kill her. But when Jesus stepped between her and her accusers, he requested them to drop the stones. One by one from the oldest to the youngest they dropped the stones and walked away. The woman was left with the only thing she would ever need – Jesus.
Then there is Zacchaeus – the chief tax collector. Probably like a modern day drug lord or pimp. He was a bad dude. But someone told him about Jesus so he made his way to the city to try to get a glimpse of him. He couldn’t see over the heads of the people waiting for Jesus to pass by so he climbed a sycamore tree. Jesus sought him out and approached him in the tree.  He knew every sin this man had ever committed. Did Jesus ever mention them in Scripture? NO! He only asked him to come down and go have lunch with Jesus.  Time with Jesus changed this man’s heart. It has changed mine too.
Oh the Grace of God! So loving and so merciful toward the worst of the sinners. Including me!
Today I pray that whatever you are going through you’d hear my heart. God wants to pour mercy and grace over your life. He does not condemn you. He isn’t keeping score. He desires you to draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.
Oh the stories I could tell of my own encounters with Jesus on the many detours off the road he set out for me.
Oh the stories I could tell of the wonderful ways He showed me out of the dark places of my sin and into the glorious light.
Oh the stories I could tell of the powerful love I feel when I sit down and spend time with Him in the study of His Word.
Oh how I want that for you my friend!
God Bless Your Heart with freedom because of Amazing Grace.
Gigi
This blog post is a part of Renee Ann Smith’s “Come to the Table” blog tour. Check it out at www.ReneeAnnSmith.com

June 6, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Divine DetourGigi

Divine Detour

by Gigi June 5, 2012
written by Gigi

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Kathy Harris for her Divine Detour blog.
Because my maiden name is Devine, this blog caught my eye and I started reading it many months ago. Kathy interviews authors and musicians and helps promote their work.
I am grateful for someone like Kathy who is willing to bless the writer within.
Not only because of the name, Divine Detour, but also because I’ve been on more than one detour in my life’s journey.

God knows the way to our destination


But amazingly, God has transformed my Devine Detour into a Divine Detour every time I give it all to Him.
He is always faithful to point me to the redirection signs and lead me to the intended destination.
If you’ve found yourself off the path God planned for you, be encouraged. Recalibrate and follow His direction home.
Trust Him, He knows the way.
Here is the link to my Divine Detour interview: http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=14379
God bless your heart.
Gigi
 

June 5, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gigi

My Celebration Ends!

by Gigi June 1, 2012
written by Gigi

Today officially ends my week long birthday celebration!
I could easily keep this up but I’d better stop. I am thankful for my wonderful friends and family who made it special.
My week ended with a fun lunch at Russell’s Cafe in Molbak’s with my BFF – Cheryl Penn.
We sat in the beautiful atrium amongst exotic plants and the soothing sound of the fountain. It’s one of my favorite places to have lunch because it feels like paradise.
Needless to say the food was delicious and the company even greater.

Hearts from heaven


Check out the three hearts in my soup. Now that was a kiss from heaven.
Cheryl bought me the coolest steel plant holder. It holds two potted plants and three hanging planters. I put my HOPE chimes on one of the hooks and they’ve been singing in the wind. I’m putting together the other pots and I’ll post a photo when it’s finished.
My Facebook friend, Bernice Schick dropped off six potted perrenial plants to add to my garden.
It has truly been a blessed birthday week and the plants will bless me all summer long!
I look forward to another year of learning and growing and living the life God planned for me.
And I’ll enjoy my perrenial birthday blessings for years to come, too.
I am one blessed woman. I feel God’s love and I pray that you do too.
Did you know that you are the ONE He loves? I celebrate the day you were born!
God Bless Your Heart!
Gigi

June 1, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gigi

A Birthday Weekend to Remember!

by Gigi May 29, 2012
written by Gigi

Awesome Cake at the Nystroms


I’ve had an amazing birthday weekend! WOW!
Last Friday we enjoyed dinner with good friend’s Marty and Jeanne Nystrom and Jeff and Sarah Jones.
A strange wind storm knocked the power out but we managed with lanterns until the power came back on.
My Bestie Jeanne always knows how to make a girl feel special.
Saturday I enjoyed the sunshine and worked in my yard.
The flowers Steve planted for Mother’s day are growing and I’ve added more with my birthday money from my father-in-law.
My yard is looking better every day.
While we watched a movie downstairs, Steve decorated our family room. He’s been teasing me because it took me a couple trips upstairs to notice that huge balloon!

Steve decorated the family room!


Sunday, my “official” birthday was my favorite day. Church with Pastor Jude preaching. Zane and Kelsey over for lunch. Looking at their photos from England and Ireland was great fun.
We laughed over the goofy photos we took with my new iPad!

Happy Birthday to Me!


Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
It was the birthday that kept on going with dinner at the Halvorson’s.
Barbara and Elling Halvorson were home so I enjoyed hanging with them. Yummy BBQ with Barbara’s potatoe salad.
Elling led a beautiful round of Happy Birthday as they presented me with yet another yummy cake.

Cake at the Halvorson House


More laughs with the photo booth on my iPad with Rod, Randy, John and Kent.
Monday we had a Memorial Day BBQ with Jeff and Sarah Jones.
Ray and Laura Clavero joined us. All the Nystrom’s were there too.

Ray and Jeff - Kings of the Grill


It was a battle for King of the Grill between Jeff’s filet mignon and Ray’s rib-eye steak.
It was hard to go back to work on Tuesday after all the celebrating.
I am truly blessed.
May the God of HOPE fill YOUR birthday with JOY and PEACE and LOVE as you TRUST in HIM.
God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi

May 29, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gigi

NCWA Writer Renewal Conference – Imagine That

by Gigi May 24, 2012
written by Gigi

I can’t express enough about the benefit of attending a writer’s conference. I try to attend at least one conference a year.
I come away with new friends, fresh ideas and encouragement to stay the course in my writing career.
There was an incredibly sweet spirit at this year’s Northwest Christian Writer’s Renewal Conference held May 18-19 at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA.
Worship by my good friend, Marty Nystrom, added a Holy Spirit touch to the Friday night session.
The lineup of agents, editors and workshop leaders was a beautiful combination.

Agent and Editor Panel


I didn’t come to this conference with an agenda other than networking and sharing my latest writing ideas.
I met with Sandra Bishop of MacGregor Literary Agency and Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. I came away from those appointments with a few ideas about my next writing project. Once I solidify my ideas, I’ll have the opportunity to pitch it to them at a later date. That’s the power of building a network.
Marshal Younger shared from his heart about his journey as a writer for Focus on the Family’s “Adventures in Odyssey” program. He was melted my heart with his story of how the children of Make a Wish Foundation became part of the script of one of the episodes. His compassion for telling a good story was evident in each session.
The variety of workshops made it difficult to choose which to attend.
I attended the point of view workshop taught by two talented novelists, Lesley McDaniel and Lynnette Bonner.
Grace Fox gave me a list of fresh ideas for marketing my books.
I learned about King Content in Jim Rubart’s energetic session.
Romance was in the air during the romance writer’s panel discussion by Lynnette Bonner, Ocieanna Fleis, Clint Kelly and Kate Lloyd. I will write that romance novel one of these days.
Thankfully each session was recorded so I can listen and learn all throughout the summer.
Since the conference, I’ve been motivated to set new writing goals.
Yesterday I submitted an article to MomSense magazine. I’m excited to write for them after meeting with Alexandra Kuykendall of MOPS, Intl.
I was encouraged about dusting off the manuscript of my personal story Stones of Remembrance and praying for direction from the Lord about where to take it next.
I know a lot of prayer went into the planning and coordination of this year’s conference and I’m grateful for the team of people who pulled it off.

May 17-18 - Writer's Renewal 2013


I hope you’ll mark your calendar for next year’s conference. It is scheduled for May 17-18, 2013 and will again be held at Overlake Christian Church. Will you join me?
Our keynote speaker will be novelist, Jane Fitzpatrick.My calendar is set because I’ll be teaching two workshops next year.
God Bless your heart,
Gigi
 

May 24, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gigi

My Message is C.L.E.A.R. Book Signing Fun

by Gigi May 11, 2012
written by Gigi

My son Gabe and I had a great time signing books at Beyond Necessity Gifts in Anaconda, MT.
MaryPat Clark and Amy Dodd prepared yummy snacks and drinks to make all of the guests feel at home.
There was a steady stream of patrons browsing the store and buying Mother’s Day gifts.

Ethan gets a signed book. Photo by James Rosien of the Anaconda Leader


We were surprised by the wonderful support we received from the community of Anaconda. Gabe and I signed almost 150 books!
Thank you Anaconda. We are forever grateful for the constant support for our family.
We made Anaconda our first book signing stop.
Twenty years ago this community helped us buy Gabe’s first wheelchair. Now Gabe was able to bless them back with his inspirational story.

Gigi chatting with her longtime friend, Lynn (Jessen) Burgher. Photo by James Rosien of The Anaconda Leader


Dee Motor Company and Glacier Bank both put a notice on their digital marquee announcing the book signing.
The Montana Standard Newspaper and the Anaconda Leader Newspaper each ran a great story.
Here is the link to the Montana Standard story written by George Plaven. I thought he did a great job on the article.
http://mtstandard.com/news/local/message-is-c-l-e-a-r/article_b185207c-9a4f-11e1-82da-0019bb2963f4.html
If you were unable to make it to the book signing, Beyond Necessity has copies at the store.
Or you can purchase them at our foundation website at www.GabesHOPE.org
I pray that our book touches your life and helps you to live C.L.E.A.R.
God Bless Your Heart.
Gigi

May 11, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Book ReviewGigiMy Message is C.L.E.A.R.Published Work

Reader’s Favorite 5 STAR Review!

by Gigi May 5, 2012
written by Gigi

Hello there. I hope you are well.
I pray for you every time I think of you. Oh, how much I appreciate your support!
I’ve been busy promoting our new book, My Message is C.L.E.A.R. – Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities, which released on April 13, 2012 on Gabe’s 22nd birthday.
We had a fabulous launch party at a gorgeous house – Serenity House – a gift from Gregg and Lafon Jantz. There were about eighty people who came to support us and hear Gabe’s “Endurance” message.

Available on www.GabesHOPE.org, Amazon or Barnes and Noble

I co-wrote this book with my son, Gabe. It was a blast writing it with him.
It is even more fun as we head out to promote it.
We leave Tuesday, May 8, 2012 on a road trip to Montana to get the word out about this latest book.
Gabe will be speaking at the Anaconda Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday from 3-4 pm.
Thursday, May 10, 2012,  he will be at Beyond Necessity Gift Shop from 3-6 for a booksigning open house that should prove to be a whole lot of fun!
We are planning other book signings later in the summer at the Barnes and Noble stores as well as a few gift shops. So the rest of our time in Montana will be spent planning those future events.
FIVE STAR REVIEW!!
We were delighted to get a five star review this week from a book review website – Reader’s Review.
http://readersfavorite.com/review/6180
Hope to see you under the full moon sky this week. It is a SUPER moon and I think we are going to have a SUPER road trip.
God Bless your heart
Gigi

May 5, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
GigiGod Calling

Love Does No Harm

by Gigi April 18, 2012
written by Gigi

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10

God is Love. If you want to give someone God then give them your love. God will take over from there.
I have to admit there are some people in my life who are difficult to love. But God asks me to love them anyway. He wants me to show them I care.
What if God put it in someone’s heart to come to me for help and I do not show them love? That would break God’s heart.
If everyone had love in their heart then there would be no dark days.
The joy of knowing God and being His love to others brings light to a dark situation.
Be the light that brightens someone’s dark day today. Show them your love.
God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi
https://gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post came from the April 18 devotional in “God Calling” edited by AJ Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.
April 18 — my brother-in-law Gary’s birthday. Happy Birthday Gary! Oh yeah, and thanks for the SUNshine today!

April 18, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gigi

Majesty of the Seas

by Gigi March 10, 2012
written by Gigi

Wow!

Majesty of the Seas


Steve and I just returned from our first cruise on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship – Majesty of the Seas.
We sailed to Nassau, Bahamas and spent the afternoon at The Atlantis Resort reminiscing about our vacation there in 1999.

Beautiful Atlantis Resort


We also spent time with my friend and best-selling author, Karen Kingsbury. The cruise was a Karen Kingsbury and Friends Cruise sponsored by Premier Christian Cruises.

With Matthew West


We enjoyed concerts from Mandisa, Matthew West, Anthem Lights, Britt Nichole and Tim Halperin. It was fabulous!

With Mandisa!


Due to strong winds, we were unable to make the stop in CocoCay so we spent an extra day in Nassau. We used the day to rest and check out the twelve decks of the ship. We had fun with Steve’s camera.

Our Dinner Friends

Our next port of call was Key West, Florida. We had a fun trolley tour and lunch at Flat Jacks. I left my purse on the ship so we had a bit of a panic but I was able to get back on without my ID or passport. Thanks God!

Wind! Snuggle up!

We left Key West in a beautiful sunset and enjoyed our last dinner with our table mates who became fast friends.
We landed back in Miami early Friday morning.
Our plane was detoured to Lafayette, LA due to severe weather in Houston coupled with President Barack Obama traveling out of the city. That delay made us miss our flight but we were blessed to catch the last flight home.
We enjoyed time away together and meeting new friends.

Fun at sea


We are grateful to Karen for the her generosity in making this cruise possible and planning the fun events.
I’d love to go back next year.
Will you join me and a bunch of my friends for the Karen Kingsbury Cruise 2013? Start saving now!

Blessings on your life today. I pray you are sailing smoothly through God’s plan for you. May you feel God’s “kiss” upon your cheek!

Gigi

March 10, 2012 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • …
  • 16

About Me

About Me

Gigi Murfitt

Writing down the events of her life has been her passion while keeping a journal for over 45 years. She encourages her audience to record their lives in a journal. A lover of God’s Word, Gigi has facilitated Bible study for many years. She has been a speaker at retreats, community meetings, and teas. She enjoys mentoring women in their walk of faith. Her love for people is evident in her caring nature and smile.

Recent Posts

  • Life Changes – Trust Required

    August 15, 2023
  • ChatGPT and Me

    February 20, 2023
  • It’s Better This Way

    December 28, 2022
  • What I Missed This Christmas

    December 28, 2022
  • What I Miss This Christmas

    December 13, 2022

Categories

  • Book Review (13)
  • But Then… (1)
  • Caregivers' Devotions to Go (3)
  • Comments (3)
  • Conference Reviews (1)
  • Courageous Conversations (3)
  • Depression (1)
  • Divine Detour (2)
  • Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE (1)
  • Gigi (148)
  • Goals (3)
  • God Calling (3)
  • Hats Off to Teachers (1)
  • How We Love (3)
  • Journal the Journey (2)
  • Journey of HOPE (5)
  • Journey of LOVE (2)
  • Lenten Love Letters (4)
  • Life Stories (2)
  • Moments (1)
  • My Message is C.L.E.A.R. (6)
  • NaBloPoMo (4)
  • NaBloWriMo (4)
  • Published Work (7)
  • Recommended Books (5)
  • Speaking Engagements (1)
  • Teaching (2)
  • The Courage to Write (2)
  • Uncategorized (3)
  • Write Right (6)

About me

Gigi
I’m Gigi, a teacher, author, speaker, and mentor from southern Idaho. Prior to moving to Idaho, I lived in the Seattle area for over thirty years. I’m a Montana native, born and raised in a small town where we played outside until the street lights turned on.

Popular Posts

  • New standard post

    September 29, 2022
  • Life Changes – Trust Required

    August 15, 2023
  • The Courage to Begin Again…

    August 1, 2013
  • What I Missed This Christmas

    December 28, 2022
  • Schools Out for the Summer!

    May 24, 2019

@2022 - Gigi Murffitt


Back To Top
Gigi Murfitt
  • Home
  • About me
  • Books
  • Contact Me